Key Takeaways:
– The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.
– The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on six leaders from the terrorist group Hamas.
– The U.S. has vetoed a U.N. Nations Security Council resolution calling for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire.
– A proposal to halt arms transfers to Israel introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders was rejected by the U.S. Senate.
– Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel nominee, criticizes Biden’s policy on Israel.
– An Israeli Air Force strike in Palmyra resulted in an unspecified number of casualties.
– Hezbollah ambush kills renowned historian and archeologist Ze’ev ‘Jabo’ Erlich.
– UNRWA chiefs are reported to have held secret meetings with top terrorists in 2017.
– New Zealand has designated Hezbollah as a terrorist entity.
– Australia denies entry to former Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked.
Detailing the Developments
Arrest Warrants Issued
In an unprecedented move, the ICC has authorized arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants center around allegations of war crimes in the ongoing strife between Israel and Gaza.
Hamas Leaders Sanctioned by U.S. Treasury
Simultaneously, the U.S. Treasury has taken bold steps against leaders of Hamas, a terrorist group backed by Iran. Placing sanctions on six leaders, the Treasury aims to cripple their financial lifelines.
U.S. Vetoes Gaza Ceasefire Call
In the international diplomatic arena, the U.S. has used its veto power to reject a U.N. resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. justified its stance on the grounds that the resolution did not secure the release of hostages kept by Hamas.
Sanders’ Arms Transfer Suspension Fails in Senate
In the U.S. Senate, Bernie Sanders – a critic of Israel – found his proposals to suspend arms transfers to Israel overwhelmingly rejected. This move underscores the continued U.S. support for Israel despite its current conflict.
Biden’s Israel Policy Drawing Criticism
Criticism of President Biden’s stance towards Israel escalated as U.S. Ambassador to Israel nominee Mike Huckabee denounced the policy as ‘schizophrenic.’ He raised concerns the U.S. is pressurizing Israel more than Hamas, Hezbollah, and their Iranian financers.
Israeli Air Force Pounds Damascus
The war’s physical toll grew graver as Israeli warplanes targeted the city of Palmyra, leaving several wounded. The blow reportedly affected both residential buildings and industrial areas, heightening tensions.
Hezbollah Ambush Ends in Tragedy
On a sobering note, renowned historian Ze’ev ‘Jabo’ Erlich fell victim to a Hezbollah ambush. His family disputed the IDF’s assertion that Erlich entered Lebanon as a civilian.
Secret 2017 Meeting Exposed
UNRWA chiefs reportedly held confidential meetings with top terrorists, according to a UN Watch expose. The meetings, which took place in 2017, are said to have included top figures from Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.
Hezbollah Designated as Terrorists in New Zealand
New Zealand marks a significant stride forward by officially listing Hezbollah as a terrorist entity. Their legislation requires concrete evidence that an organization is involved in terror activity, which was deemed sufficient in this case for Hezbollah.
Australia Shuts Door on Shaked
Lastly, Australia has denied a visa to former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, barring her entry into the country to participate in a pro-Israel event. This move has sparked controversy and accusations of anti-Semitism towards the Australian government.